8 Things You Should Know About the Road Transport and Safety Bill

The Road Transport and Safety Bill, proposed in 2014, suggested many changes in the existing system. This Bill, if implemented, will replace the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, which regulates the road transport system in India now. The purpose of this Bill, as stated in the draft, is to provide a scientifically planned and evolving system for the safety of all road users in India, to improve the existing transport system, and to encourage better infrastructure and vehicles*.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways opened the Bill for public discussion, after which the fourth version of the Bill was proposed in April 2015.

What are the key points** in the Bill?

- The Bill will replace the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and provide stricter punishments for offences

- A nation-wide minimum safety standard for vehicles, roads and users will be implemented

- A centralized unit called the Motor Vehicle Regulation and Road Safety Authority of India will look after regulation of road transport and road safety in India, replacing state transport departments

- The centralized unit will also be responsible for collecting vehicle taxes, registration, and issuance of permits

- One person will be allowed to own only one Driving License

- Test for driving license will be automated

- A Uniform Road Accident Investigation System, and a Road Accident Emergency Access Telephone Number will be introduced to help in case of accidents

- A point-based system will be used to record traffic violation by each license holder. 12 points on record will mean suspension of license for 1 year, along with fines and jail terms

With this Bill, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to reduce the number of road accidents caused due to negligent or rash driving and poor infrastructure, and also keep a check on corruption. The Bill also hopes to be able to provide speedy assistance to road accidents.

Sources:

*Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

**Press Information Bureau

The Times of India

DNA